Stanley Johnson, Pistons Crush Knicks in Summer League Opener

The Detroit Pistons defeated the New York Knicks 81-49 in their first game of Summer League action. Detroit received all 8 points possible in the Summer League Tournament scoring system.

Stanley Johnson stood out over every other player in the game, as expected. He finished with 15 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals. He shot 5-13 from the field. Center Jordan Bachynski had the most efficient game for Detroit, posting 11 points, 9 rebounds, 1 steal, and a block in only 17 minutes. He was 4-4 from the field. The two rookies, Henry Ellenson and Michael Gbinije both struggled in the first half, but settled down and put together solid second halves. Ellenson flirted with a double-double, scoring 12 points and grabbing 8 rebounds. Michael Gbinije struggled shooting the ball, but had a good all-around game. He had 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. Lorenzo Borwn scored 12 points and assisted on two baskets.

For the Knicks, they never could find consistent scoring. DeJaun Summers lead the way for the Knicks scoring 12 points. Marvelle Harris had 10 points. Summers and Harris combined for 22 of the 49 points the Knicks were able to score in 40 minutes.

Detroit controlled the entire game. They broke the game open in the third quarter.

The Pistons are tied for 1st place in the Summer League Tournament with the Indiana Pacers. The Pistons play next against the Orlando Blue team, which is the Magic’s Summer League team that has their draft pick, Stephen Zimmerman on the roster. They lost to the Pacers today 93-66. That game is on Monday at 3P.M.